1. Kaplan Law, LLC
Practice Focus: Motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle collisions, trucking accidents, bicycle and pedestrian injuries, wrongful death claims, drunk driving accidents, industrial accidents, injuries to children, civil rights violations, jail deaths
Case Types Handled: Auto accidents, semi-truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, premises liability incidents, product liability claims
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation in Oregon and Washington state courts, U.S. District Court representation, settlement negotiations, trial representation, contingency fee arrangements, free case consultations
Background: Matthew D. Kaplan has practiced law since 1998. He graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and received his undergraduate degree cum laude from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He achieved the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2013 and has been recognized as an Oregon Super Lawyer each year since 2012. Licensed in Oregon and Washington state courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Member of Oregon State Bar, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, Washington State Bar Association, and American Association for Justice. Prior experience includes clerking for a judge and working with Southern Oregon Public Defenders, Inc.
Location: 50 SW Pine Street, Suite 302, Portland, OR 97204
Contact: (503) 226-3844 | [email protected] | https://www.mdkaplanlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis (one-third of net amount for pre-litigation settlements, 40% if litigation begins).
2. Mayor Law, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, drunk driving victim cases, pedestrian accidents, construction accidents, dog bites, wrongful death claims
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, side-impact and T-bone collisions, rollover accidents, speeding-related crashes, hit-and-run accidents, multiple-vehicle collisions, distracted driving accidents, serious and catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, free case analysis, property damage claims assistance, medical bill coordination
Background: Travis Mayor graduated J.D. Summa Cum Laude from University of the District of Columbia in 2005 and received his B.S. in Business Administration from Oregon State University in 1994. He began his legal career as an insurance defense attorney at Hoffman, Hart & Wagner, gaining insight into how insurance companies defend personal injury claims. Later worked at Law Offices of Michael L. Rosenbaum before founding Mayor Law, LLC. Licensed in Oregon state courts since 2005 and U.S. District Court, District of Oregon since 2006. Named Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015. Member of Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice.
Location: 111 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 3150, Portland, OR 97204 (Portland Office); 7157 SW Beveland Street (Westside Office)
Contact: (503) 610-0005 | (800) 949-1481 (toll-free) | https://www.mayorlaw.com
Consultation: Free case analysis available. Contingency fee basis with standard fee of 33% (increases to 40% if case goes to trial). Never charges more than the client receives.
3. DuBois Law Group
Practice Focus: Personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, premises liability, boating accidents, rideshare accidents, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle collisions, pedestrian injuries, slip and fall accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, drunk driving accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim filing and negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expert consultation, accident reconstruction analysis, property damage claims
Background: Sean DuBois graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2005 and has been practicing since 2006. Selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2009 to 2013. Founded DuBois Law Group in 2008. Member of Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (Guardian of Justice member). Practiced exclusively personal injury law throughout his career. The firm has recovered over $50 million in settlements and verdicts.
Location: 1553 SE Tolman Street, Portland, OR 97202
Contact: (503) 222-4411 | https://pdxinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis.
4. Rosenbaum Law Group, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motor vehicle accidents including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, electric scooter accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, phantom vehicle accidents, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, bad faith insurance claims, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Distracted driving accidents, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run collisions, rear-end accidents, PIP claims, UM/UIM claims, insurance coverage disputes, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim representation, coverage dispute resolution, bad faith insurance claims (Moody claims), litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims
Background: Founded by Mike Rosenbaum over 40 years ago. Mike Rosenbaum graduated with honors from Harvard College (1972) and Columbia Law School (1975), received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating. The firm has acquired one of the highest personal injury verdicts in Oregon history. Named to nationwide Best Lawyers list. All attorneys named to Super Lawyers list. Ashley Rosenbaum-DePalo serves as President and is active on the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors.
Location: 1826 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Contact: (503) 288-8000 | https://www.rosenbaumlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. No fees charged upfront; contingency fee basis where no recovery means no attorney fees.
5. Herron Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, automobile accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death claims, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Auto accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, uninsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, motor vehicle negligence cases
Legal Services: Insurance company negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation, demand letter preparation, case evaluation, medical provider coordination
Background: Bartley (Bart) E. Herron has extensive experience representing personal injury victims in Oregon. Author of a guide helping injury victims understand their rights, case value, and how to navigate the legal system. Recognized by American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Location: 5285 Meadows Road, Suite 204, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Contact: (503) 367-0829 | https://portlandinjuryfirm.com
Consultation: Free legal questions answered Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Oregon
Statute of Limitations: Oregon provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (ORS 12.110). For wrongful death claims, the deadline is three years from the date of the underlying injury (ORS 30.020). Property damage claims have a six-year statute of limitations (ORS 12.080).
Fault System: Oregon is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver determined to be at fault for the accident is financially responsible for resulting damages. Victims can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, their own insurance, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence: Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule (ORS 31.600). An injured party can recover damages if their fault is not greater than 50% (51% bar rule). Damages are reduced proportionally by the claimant’s percentage of fault. If found 51% or more at fault, the claimant is barred from recovery.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Oregon law requires drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage of $20,000 per accident, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $15,000 minimum, and Uninsured Motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Oregon requires PIP coverage, which is no-fault insurance that pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred within two years of the accident (up to $15,000), 70% of lost income up to $3,000 per month, $30 per day for essential services if disabled for 14+ days, $25 per day for child care if hospitalized 24+ hours, and $5,000 for funeral expenses.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Required in Oregon. Covers bodily injury or death from accidents with uninsured drivers or hit-and-run situations. Minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Drivers must file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours if the accident resulted in any injury or death, property damage exceeding $2,500 to any one person’s property, or any vehicle being towed from the scene.
Dram Shop Liability: Oregon has dram shop laws allowing injured parties to potentially recover damages from establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons who subsequently caused accidents.
Seatbelt Use: Under Oregon law, failure to wear a seatbelt may reduce recovery but does not bar a claim entirely.
Government Claims: Claims against Oregon state government entities require filing a notice of claim within 180 days for injury or within one year for wrongful death (ORS 30.295). Damage caps apply: approximately $2.49 million for state claims, approximately $830,000 for local municipal claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Oregon?
Oregon law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents, measured from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related damages. Property damage claims have a longer six-year deadline. If someone dies as a result of the accident, the wrongful death claim must be filed within three years. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation through the court system, regardless of how strong the case may be.
How does Oregon’s comparative negligence rule affect my car accident claim?
Oregon uses a modified comparative negligence system that allows you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident, provided your fault does not exceed 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from other parties. Insurance adjusters often attempt to assign partial fault to claimants to reduce settlement amounts.
What types of insurance coverage are available after a car accident in Oregon?
Oregon accident victims may have access to several types of coverage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from your own policy covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault, up to at least $15,000. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers your damages. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your losses. Medical Payments coverage may provide additional benefits. Health insurance may also cover accident-related medical treatment.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Portland?
After ensuring safety and calling 911, exchange information with all involved parties including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries manifest later. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. If property damage or injuries exceed thresholds, file the required Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours.
Can I recover compensation if the at-fault driver in my Portland accident was uninsured?
Yes, Oregon requires all drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which protects you when hit by an uninsured driver or in hit-and-run situations. Your own UM policy will cover bodily injuries up to your policy limits. Oregon also has UM Property Damage coverage available for vehicle damage. Additionally, you can file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver to recover damages, though collection may be difficult if they lack assets. Approximately 10-12% of Oregon drivers are uninsured, making UM coverage particularly valuable. Oregon’s “no pay, no play” law may limit uninsured drivers from recovering non-economic damages if they were driving without required insurance.